Opel: All models also electric, Manta is coming back

Opel customers will receive an electrified option for every model from 2024 onwards. In addition to the Astra, this also applies to the Astra station wagon, allowing Stellantis to fill the niche of electric compact station wagons that is popular in Europe, which so far has only been addressed by the MG 5. Opel also announced the return of the Manta – as a fully electric CUV in the style of the Mustang Mach E or Kia EV6. Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz explained this to the Augsburger Allgemeine:

"Due to the framework set by politicians, it is now clear in Europe that combustion engines have an expiration date."

Accordingly, Opel will no longer sell combustion engines in Europe from 2028 onwards. In the future, the brand aims especially to increase the range and speed of charging its electric models. Hochgeschurtz added:

"We are working on ensuring that an Opel can be charged for 32 kilometers in one minute."

Hochgeschurtz expects this to be the case at Opel by the middle of the decade. He also provided specific information regarding the range:

"For the future, we are also aiming for ranges of 500 to 800 kilometers, depending on the vehicle."

Already now, Opel prefers electric cars in production due to the chip crisis: Electric cars are currently being delivered faster than combustion engines. With this, Opel aims to contribute to increasing the number of electric cars in Germany and Europe.

And also regarding the Manta, which is supposed to enrich the program from the middle of the decade - possibly as a successor to the Insignia - he gave a small insight:

“It will be a fascinating reinterpretation with a sensational amount of space - of course, significantly larger than the original Manta from 1970."

What does that mean?

Opel is currently at peace with itself and is consistently advancing electrification. And it also acknowledges the “weaknesses” of the current range: in terms of range and charging speed, there is still room for improvement. Moreover, the electric Astra and the Manta should give the brand additional momentum.